Public considerations of a high character constrain me to say that your resignation as Secretary of War will be accepted.

You are hereby suspended from office as Secretary of War, and will cease to exercise any and all functions pertaining to the same.

Thus far and upon this vital policy there was perfect accord between the Cabinet and myself.

There was an interval of a week between that date and the order of suspension, during which two Cabinet meetings were held.

The suspension has not been revoked, and the business of the War Department is conducted by the Secretary ad interim.

This language is very significant.

The mutual confidence and general accord which should exist in such a relation had ceased.

But he goes further, and plainly intimates what he means by 'public considerations of a high character,' and this is nothing else than his loss of confidence in his superior.

Mr. Stanton holds the position unwillingly.

Under a sense of public duty I am compelled to deny your right under the Constitution and laws of the United States.

Mr. Stanton does not content himself with assuming that public considerations bearing upon his continuance in office form as fully a rule of action for himself as for the President.

It was approved, and at the earliest moment practicable was applied in the form of a proclamation to the State of North Carolina.

I make great allowance for a change of opinion, but such a change as this hardly falls within the limits of greatest indulgence.

It can not be legally accepted by the executive government without the advice and consent of the Senate.

To the Senate of the United States: I transmit to the Senate, in answer to their resolution of the 25th ultimo, a report from the Secretary of State, with accompanying papers.

I transmit a report from the Secretary of State and the papers accompanying it.

I transmit to the Senate, in answer to their resolution of the 26th ultimo, a report from the Secretary of State, with accompanying papers.

To me the process of restoration seems perfectly plain and simple.